Vardenafil, originally marketed as Levitra by Bayer, is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. It was licensed in the UK in 2003 and has been available as a generic medication since the patent expired, making it more affordable than the branded version.
How Does It Compare?
Vardenafil sits between sildenafil and tadalafil in several respects:
- Onset — works within 25–60 minutes, similar to sildenafil
- Duration — lasts approximately 4–6 hours, comparable to sildenafil but much shorter than tadalafil
- Potency — vardenafil is effective at lower milligram doses (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg) because it has a slightly higher binding affinity for the PDE5 enzyme
Dosing
The recommended starting dose is 10 mg, taken approximately 25–60 minutes before sexual activity. Your prescriber may adjust this to 5 mg or 20 mg depending on your response and tolerance. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
An orodispersible tablet form is also available, which dissolves on the tongue without water. This can be convenient and may offer slightly faster absorption.
Who Might Benefit from Vardenafil?
Vardenafil may be a good option if:
- You have tried sildenafil and found the side effects bothersome — some men tolerate one PDE5 inhibitor better than another
- You prefer a medication that is less affected by moderate fat intake than sildenafil (though a very high-fat meal can still reduce absorption)
- You want the orodispersible formulation for ease of use
Side Effects
Vardenafil shares the typical PDE5 inhibitor side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. It can also cause dizziness in some men. Like sildenafil, it may rarely cause visual changes. Vardenafil has a small effect on the QT interval of the heart, so it is not recommended for men with certain heart rhythm disorders or those taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmic drugs.
Availability in the UK
Vardenafil is available on prescription only — it is not sold over the counter. You can obtain it from your GP, a private prescriber, or a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. Generic vardenafil is typically priced between sildenafil and tadalafil, making it a cost-effective mid-range option.
Is Vardenafil Right for You?
If you have not responded well to sildenafil or tadalafil, or you are looking for an alternative with a comparable duration and slightly different side effect profile, discuss vardenafil with your prescriber. Switching between PDE5 inhibitors is common and completely safe when medically supervised.